Lincoln Riley discusses hiring former Tennessee assistant Mike Ekeler at USC
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 28, 2026, 8:00 PM
Last updated Jul 28, 2026
USC head coach Lincoln Riley confirmed the hiring of Mike Ekeler as special teams coordinator and linebackers coach for the 2026 season during Big Ten media days in Chicago. Ekeler previously served at Tennessee from 2021-2024 under Josh Heupel. Riley praised Ekeler's special teams experience and coaching style, emphasizing the importance of special teams in championship-caliber teams. Ekeler has also had a prior stint at USC in 2013 as linebackers coach and worked as special teams coordinator at Nebraska in 2025.
- •Lincoln Riley spoke at Big Ten media days on July 28, 2026.
- •Mike Ekeler was hired from Tennessee, where he coached from 2021 to 2024.
- •He previously coached linebackers at USC in 2013.
- •Ekeler emphasized special teams during his coaching tenure.
- •Riley highlighted Ekeler's fit within the program and coaching philosophy.
- 8:00 PMYahoo Sports — Lincoln Riley details hiring former Tennessee football assistant coach
"USC head coach Lincoln Riley discusses hiring former Tennessee football assistant coach for the 2026 season.
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